Dawn Of Twilight

Chapter 6: The Heartstopper (Part 1)

Amelia smiled and asked, "I was actually wondering if you'd like to go out with me tonight? You know, for a little date."

The words hung in the air, leaving both Dawn and Erevin stunned for a second.

Dawn's head quickly turned toward Erevin, her heart suddenly racing for reasons she didn't entirely understand. She studied his face closely, trying to read his expression. Is he about to say yes? Would he even consider it?

Erevin, caught off guard, opened his mouth to speak but fumbled over his words. "Uh... but... why?" he finally managed. It wasn't the most elegant reaction one could imagine, but it was genuine—and painfully Erevin.

Amelia giggled gently, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear and leaning closer to him. "Why? So, isn't it obvious? She spoke with a bright, almost teasing smile. "You're handsome, you're intelligent, and... let's be real, what you did in the cafeteria was kinda amazing."

Dawn felt an odd twinge in her chest. She continued to stare at Erevin, as if she could force him not to accept.

Erevin's eyes instinctively darted toward Dawn, her gaze met his, intense and unwavering.. Dawn, unaware of how piercing her expression had become, thought she was quietly asking him to say no. But to Erevin, it felt like he'd just been cursed by a ghost threatening to end his very existence. Her stare sent shivers down his spine.

What... what did I do wrong? Why does she look like she's about to kill me? Erevin's confusion only deepened. He had no idea what to say to Amelia, let alone how to navigate whatever terrifying signal Dawn was sending.

Amelia wasn't done yet. "Besides," she added with a grin, "my dad's the mayor. I know this town better than anyone, so I can show you around. And, you know, it's a good chance for us to get to know each other. What do you say?"

Dawn realized, with a sinking feeling, that Erevin might just be the stupidest human to ever walk the earth. He was floundering like a fish out of water, completely oblivious to her signals. If she didn't step in now, the big cat would snatch the fish right out of her plate.

Erevin felt Dawn's hand—slightly cold and trembling—rest gently on his, which was still awkwardly planted on the ground. He froze, unsure what was going on. Her sudden touch sent a jolt through him, momentarily cutting through the awkward fog in his mind.

"Um... I would love to, but—" he began, only to feel Dawn's nails dig into the back of his hand. The sudden sharp pain forced him to shut up. Dawn, her voice unnaturally sweet yet laced with an undertone of steel, cut in smoothly, finishing the sentence for him. "But he's already promised to go out with me tonight," she said, the words rolling off her tongue like a declaration of war. "So... he's busy."

His brain flipped. Promised? Go out? Tonight? He looked at Dawn confused, but her expression betrayed no doubt.

Lightning practically crackled between the two girls as their gazes met. Amelia's confident smile faltered slightly, though she quickly recovered, narrowing her eyes just enough to keep her composure. Dawn's own stare was unwavering, her lips curving into a polite yet territorial smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Erevin, who had no idea what he'd just walked into, glanced between them in utter confusion. His hand throbbed beneath Dawn's grip, but he didn't dare move it, terrified of what might happen if he did.

Amelia raised an eyebrow, "Oh?" crossing her arms as she took a small step closer. "I wasn't aware the two of you were... close."

Dawn turned to look at Erevin, her eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and challenge. "Yeah, he's really shy about holding hands in front of others," she said, her tone light and innocent, though her nails pressed deeper into his hand, making him stiffen. "So we had to come here."